Where to report your address change
The United States Postal Service (USPS) handles mail forwarding through their official change of address process. You can submit a change of address online at usps.com, by mail using Form 3575, or in person at your local post office. USPS charges a fee for this service — currently $1.10 for online submission and $1.55 for in-person or mail requests.
Online submission through USPS takes about one business day to process. Mail and in-person requests typically take three to five business days. Your forwarding order becomes active on the date you specify, and USPS will forward your mail for up to 12 months.
Beyond USPS, you will need to notify other organizations separately. Your bank, insurance company, employer, government agencies, subscription services, and any other entity that sends you mail will not automatically know about your move. Each one requires its own notification.
Key Takeaways
- USPS forwarding is a separate step from notifying individual companies and does not automatically update your address everywhere.
- Online USPS change of address costs $1.10 and takes about one business day; in-person or mail submission costs $1.55 and takes three to five business days.
- You must contact your bank, insurance, employer, government agencies, and subscription services directly to update your address with them.
- USPS forwarding lasts up to 12 months, after which unforwarded mail will be returned to the sender or discarded.
How to submit a change of address with USPS online
Go to usps.com and select "Mail & Packages" from the main menu, then click "Change of Address." You will need your current address, new address, and the date you want forwarding to start. USPS recommends submitting your request at least two weeks before your move, though you can submit it up to 30 days in advance or up to 30 days after you move.
During the online process, you will confirm your identity by providing your name, date of birth, and either a driver's license number or the last four digits of your Social Security number. USPS verifies this information against government records. After you pay the $1.10 fee by credit or debit card, you will receive a confirmation number. Keep this number in case you need to check on your order or make changes.
Your forwarding order typically activates the next business day. If you need it to start sooner, submit your request as early as possible. USPS will send a confirmation postcard to both your old and new addresses within a few days.
Submitting a change of address by mail or in person
If you prefer not to use the online system, you can fill out USPS Form 3575 and mail it to your local post office, or bring it in person. The form is available at any post office or as a PDF read from usps.com. You will need to provide your current address, new address, the date you want forwarding to start, and your signature.
In-person submission at your post office takes a few minutes and costs $1.55. Bring a valid ID and the completed form. The postal clerk will process it on the spot and give you a receipt. Mail submission also costs $1.55 and takes three to five business days from the time the post office receives it.
Mail your completed Form 3575 to your local post office address. You can find your post office's mailing address on usps.com by entering your ZIP code. Include payment by check or money order made out to USPS.
Updating your address with banks and financial institutions
Contact your bank, credit card company, and any other financial institution where you have an account. Most banks allow you to update your address online through their website or mobile app — log in, find account settings or profile information, and change your mailing address. Some banks require you to call or visit a branch in person.
Update your address with your bank before you move if possible. This prevents mail delays for statements, tax documents, and fraud alerts. If you have a mortgage or loan, notify your lender separately, as they may have a different address on file than your checking account.
Check whether any of your accounts are set to paperless statements. If they are, your address change may not affect those accounts, but updating your mailing address is still important for tax documents and account correspondence.
Notifying government agencies and employers
Contact the Social Security Administration, Internal Revenue Service, your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, and your state's voter registration office. The IRS allows you to update your address online through their website or by mail using Form 8822. The Social Security Administration requires you to visit a local office or call 1-800-772-1213. Your state DMV typically allows online updates through its website.
Notify your employer's human resources or payroll department of your address change. This ensures your W-2 form and any other tax documents arrive at your new address. If you receive unemployment benefits, workers' compensation, or any other government payments, update your address with those agencies as well.
If you are registered to vote, update your voter registration with your state or local election office. Many states allow online updates through their election websites. Updating your address with the DMV often automatically updates your voter registration, but confirm this with your local election office.
Updating subscriptions, insurance, and other services
Go through your bills and statements from the past three months and identify every company that sends you mail. This includes health insurance, auto insurance, home or renters insurance, utility companies, internet and phone providers, subscription services, and any memberships. Contact each one to update your mailing address.
Most companies allow online updates through their customer portal or website. Log in to your account, find settings or account information, and change your address. If you cannot find the option online, call the customer service number on your bill or statement.
Update your address with the post office box provider if you rent a PO box, and notify any services that deliver packages to your home, such as Amazon or other retailers. Some services use your address for billing but may have a separate delivery address on file.
What happens if you miss notifying someone
If you forget to notify a company about your move, USPS will forward their mail to your new address for up to 12 months. After that period ends, mail from that company will either be returned to them marked "addressee unknown" or discarded. The company may then send you a notice asking you to confirm your address.
If you realize you missed notifying someone after USPS forwarding has ended, contact the company directly with your new address. They can update their records and resend any important documents like tax forms or account statements. For critical documents like tax forms, contact the company when ready rather than waiting for them to reach out.
Some companies, such as banks and the IRS, may flag your account if mail is returned undelivered. This can trigger fraud alerts or account holds. Updating your address promptly with financial institutions and government agencies prevents these complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does USPS forwarding last?
USPS forwarding lasts up to 12 months from the date you specify. After 12 months, your forwarding order expires and mail will no longer be sent to your new address. You can renew your forwarding order before it expires by submitting a new change of address request.
Can I change my address if I do not have a permanent new address yet?
Yes. You can use a temporary address such as a friend's home, a PO box, or a mail forwarding service. Once you have a permanent address, submit another change of address request to update it. USPS allows multiple changes within a 12-month period.
What if I move multiple times in one year?
You can submit multiple change of address requests. Each new request will replace the previous one. Make sure each request specifies the correct date you want forwarding to start from that address. Keep track of your confirmation numbers for each request.
Do I need to notify USPS if I move within the same city?
Yes. Even if you stay in the same city, you should submit a change of address with USPS. Your mail carrier needs to know your new address to deliver mail correctly. The process and cost are the same as moving to a different city.
What if a company sends mail to my old address after I have moved?
USPS will forward it to your new address for up to 12 months. If the company continues sending mail after your forwarding expires, contact them directly to update your address. Provide them with your new address and ask them to update their records.